Box

Description

A blue mussel shell was used to make this box which has a repeated bead and flower silver die-rolled border. Also known as a common mussel, or the scientific name Mytilus edulis, this shell can be found around the world. A mussel seems a modest choice for a shell snuff box, but the inverted shell nestles easily into the palm of one’s hand. This box has an unusual interior hinge shape, leading to the question of whether shell’s mounts were repaired or updated to extend its use.